Discovering the ‘modern maestro’: The importance of a professional industry pedigree and aspects of coaching and mentoring within the supervision of music undergraduates

The case study reported in this paper explored the aspects of coaching and mentoring theory and practice used in the supervision of undergraduate students at a London music school. It used coded analysis of interviews with tutors, students, and academic administrators to conclude that supervisors who are also highly experienced professional musicians, often use a directive and challenging style of intervention, influenced by their own knowledge of industry standards. It is suggested that this ‘modern-maestro’ mentoring relationship may help motivate the student to adopt an autonomous approach to their work, needed not only for their academic success, but for their future professional music careers too.